Three charged after $75,000 in merchandise taken from Rideau Centre

After several thefts at retail stores at Ottawa’s downtown mall, police have laid charges.

Officials are calling it Operation Robin Hood, and it saw officers pair with the Market Neighbourhood Resource Team and Rideau Centre Security to catch the thieves wanted in connection with stolen goods. The operation was launched after what police describe as “a surge in thefts” at retail stores in the CF Rideau Centre.

After coordinating efforts, officers were able to lay charges against three people in connection with approximately $75,000 worth of stolen merchandise in the last six months.

The individuals are facing offences of theft and breach-related charges.

“This operation demonstrates the effectiveness of collaborative policing and the importance of strong partnerships with local stakeholders,” the press release reads.

Personal thefts in Ottawa

This comes as thefts across the city continue to be common.

According to officers, there is a new type of distraction theft going around the community, with the majority of targets being older adults. In these thefts, the person is approached by the suspect and is asked for directions. After the interaction, the suspects get close and place a necklace around the victim’s neck as a “thank you gift,” police explain.

In this process, the suspects are able to remove the victim’s jewellery. This sort of incident has happened 50 times, according to data shared by the force, 20 of which happened between April 1 and Sept. 2.

Overall, there have been 70 reports of distraction thefts in the city this year.